Former India pacer RP Singh has advised Mohammed Siraj to be cautious about his workload in future. During the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, Siraj put his body on the line and played all five Test matches.
His grit was evident in the 1113 deliveries he bowled, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 23 scalps at an average of 32.43.
When India needed crucial wickets, Siraj stepped up, often extending his spells to ensure smoother rotation. With Jasprit Bumrah playing only three Tests to manage his workload, the 31-year-old took on the mantle of spearheading India’s pace attack.
On the final day of the Oval Test, the hosts were 35 runs away from chasing a 374-run target, with four wickets in hand. However, Siraj once again lifted his game under pressure, returning with five wickets to propel the visitors to a narrow six-run victory, thereby ending the series in a 2-2 draw.
“Currently his body is fit and he is bowling well, but Siraj too needs to be cautious. Workload management issues will affect him too, sooner or later. Jasprit Bumrah has suffered because of his unique bowling action,” RP Singh said while speaking to TOI.
“Both he and Siraj are our assets and their workload needs to be monitored. However, the workload management should be in domestic cricket, not international cricket,” he added.
Asked whether India missed a trick by not giving a chance to left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh on the tour of England, Singh replied, “For sure, 100% Arshdeep has to be given a chance. He’s a great bowler. He can swing the ball both ways, and he has developed his pace as well. I’m sure at some point he’s going to be part of the XI. Sooner or later, Arshdeep will get his chance.”
RP Singh also expressed confidence in the abilities of Anshul Kamboj, who failed to make a mark on his Test debut at Old Trafford.
“Kamboj will be a wonderful addition to the Indian bowling attack in future. I have personally watched him in the domestic circuit. He did not do well in his debut Test because he didn’t get any rest and had to play the match urgently, which affected his performance,” Singh remarked.
